Male Athlete of the Week: Justin Farrenkopf, Ellenville High School, track and field (video)

Ellenville High senior Justin Farrenkopf realized a goal he set for himself when he won the state Division 2 (small school) and Federation boys pole vault titles on Saturday at Middletown's Faller Field.

Farrenkopf cleared 15 feet, which was six inches higher than Division 1 (large school) winner James Steck of Shaker High, and nine inches more than the next finisher in his own division.

Former scholastic wrestler and football player Farrenkopf started vaulting just four years ago after his wrestling coach told him it was difficult to wrestle in college. Now he'll be attending Manhattan College on an athletic scholarship.

"I never knew it would take me somewhere," Farrenkopf said. "And now I'm going to college (because of it)."